Victoria's Secret sets Paris alight with £2 million bra and Lady Gaga

The laciest, if not raciest, catwalk event of the year -- aka, the Victoria's Secret fashion show -- took place mid-week in Paris.

US model Grace Elizabeth (Francois Mori/AP/Press Association Images)

Among the highlights were performances by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, sisters Bella and Gigi Hadid joining forces, as well as a $3 million (around £2.3 million) Fantasy bra modelled by Jasmine Tookes.

Here are some highlights of the Paris show:

1. ANGELS IN RED

Swedish model Elsa Hosk strutted out fittingly with electric energy in a cropped bustier -- enveloped in a huge, three-dimensional red Chinese dragon; Kendall Jenner -- in blood red -- wore thigh-high boots, a long-line plunging bra and suede angel wings and Gigi Hadid looked like she would take off in flight, sporting a hand-painted cape with an Aztec-pattern that billowed as she walked.

"Not only do the wings get bigger but we tap into new artisans and people who do things with 3-D printing... that's always the wonderful thing about working on the show," said Victoria's Secret executive producer Monica Mitro.

As the show ended, a million pieces of glittered ribbon fell on the angels and the adoring crowds.

2. GAGA, MARS, THE WEEKND

With a retro bleached hairstyle, Lady Gaga gave a rousing and gutsy live performance of Million Reasons to the crowd, and appeared again for A-YO.

Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars and The Weeknd

At one point her microphone got stuck in the tassels of her dark cowboy hat, but this didn't stop the consummate professional, who continued singing John Wayne as Victoria's Secret models danced with her and criss-crossed the runway rhythmically to the beat.

As the 30-year-old popstar ended her set, she walked over to kiss Hadid's mother, reality TV star Yolanda Hadid, in her front row seat. (Before the show, Gaga treated her Instagram followers to a photo of herself in silver Victoria's Secret underwear).

Lady Gaga (centre) performs on stage

Bruno Mars also performed several times, ramping up the energy and using the catwalk as his stage -- in signature shades, with tuxedo-wearing backing dancers jiving behind him.

The American singer had guests jumping up and down for funky performances of 24K Magic and Chunky.

But it was perhaps The Weeknd that got the most cheers of the night. The singer serenaded Bella Hadid -- with whom he has been romantically linked -- with his hit song Starboy, and almost followed her up the catwalk as she walked in a lace gown with silk organza corset.

3. £2.3 MILLION FANTASY BRA

The Victoria's Secret Fantasy bra that 25-year-old Jasmine Tookes was selected to wear is considered the piece de resistance of the brand's runway display.

Jasmine Tookes wears the Bright Night Fantasy Bra

The bra, glimmering with thousands of gemstones, was presented like crown jewels ahead of the show. An incredible work of art, it was designed by Eddie Borgo and hand-crafted over 700 hours with gems from jeweller AW Mouzannar.

"It is so beautiful. It's covered in white diamonds and emeralds and it has about 9,000 gemstones. It cost $3 million -- so stunning," gushed the model backstage while she was having her hair done.

Jasmine Tookes wears the £2.3 Million Bright Night Fantasy Bra

It's the third time a black model has been chosen to model the Fantasy Bra.

Jasmine said the garment was constructed on a mold of her upper body, literally made to measure.

While the bra may be perfect for the runway presentation, Jasmine joked she probably wouldn't want to go for a jog in it, given its weight.

"It's very heavy; it weighs more than 450 carats. It weighs down on my shoulders a little bit, but it's so worth it," she said, cheekily adding: "I might jog out of this show with it though."

4. A (HADID) FAMILY AFFAIR

Hadid, 52, was the proudest of mothers Wednesday night.

For the first time, the former model could boast that Bella was included in the Victoria's Secret model line-up as well as Gigi for 2016.

"Last year, Gigi got it and Bella didn't get it and I felt awkward being there having Bella at home. And this year, it's just so perfect because they're both here. We're celebrating, the sisters together," she said.

The three posed for cameras and kissed on the pink carpet following the collection -- in a show of family love.

"It's all surreal. I mean, I came here when I was 16, modelling. So many years have gone by and to be here with both my girls. It's emotional. I keep looking at them and pinching myself. Whoever thought that this would happen?" she added.

5. THE ORIGINAL ANGEL

She was one of the original Victoria's Secret models back in 1995.

Veronica Webb (Peter Kramer/AP/Press Association Images)

Now, at 51 years old -- and just as youthful-looking -- Veronica Webb spoke about about the challenges and particularities of the famed fashion show that she began 21 years ago.

"I was in the first Victoria's Secret show and it was one of the most challenging bookings that I ever did because, obviously, if you're in a room and everyone else is dressed and you're in your underwear it's a little bit embarrassing," she said, laughing.

Veronica, who made history as the first African-American to ever have a cosmetics contract, also recalled how the experience boosted her professional life.

"It was one of the proudest moments of my career also because it took so much discipline and making so many fitness goals to get there," she said.

6. EVEN VICTORIA'S SECRET MODELS GET NERVOUS

Brazilian beauty Lais Ribeiro physically jumped when a loudspeaker bellowed there was just one hour until show time.